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Cortana could be your Windows Phone reality

by Bernard Sinai · Published January 9, 2014 · Updated March 20, 2017

Cortana, as depicted in Halo 4.

Cortana is no stranger to fans of the Halo game series, but for the novice, let me make a brief introduction. She is a virtual assistant that helps the game’s protagonist, Master Chief, through the levels and provides a backstory narration and tactical information whenever it becomes necessary. However, Windows is now thinking of moving her into reality.

Well, not really, but Cortana is rumoured to be the codename to Windows Phone 8.1 virtual assistant and according to VentureBeat the software is a cross between Apple’s Siri and Google Now.

It is expected that Cortana, like in the game, will be able to learn from and adapt to user behaviour. However, it has been hinted that she might go one step further. And no – she won’t a holographic projection.

Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer, in a lengthy staff memo titled “Transforming Our Company” said:

We will continue to reinvent the core “shell” of our family of devices and build upon what we have started with Windows 8. We will keep evolving our new modern look, expanding the shell so that it allows people and their devices to capture, store and organize their “stuff” in new ways. Our UI will be deeply personalized, based on the advanced, almost magical, intelligence in our cloud that learns more and more over time about people and the world. Our shell will natively support all of our essential services, and will be great at responding seamlessly to what people ask for, and even anticipating what they need before they ask for it.

Essentially, Cortana could become the core for Microsoft devices and might extend to the personal computer (PC) and Xbox. It is rumoured that she could come packaged with Windows Phone 8.1 which will be unveiled in April at the Build Developer Conference.

However, one vital detail remains obscure and that is who will voice her? If she has a voice anything like Scarlett Johansson in Her, then I’m sure will have many falling in love with her.